Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars Under $500 2025

Affordable dreadnought acoustic guitars under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 12, 2025 • Next update: November 19, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Country For Folk For Bluegrass For Rock For Singer-Songwriter For Campfire Sessions

BRANDS: Martin Guitar Harley Benton Gibson Furch Yamaha Fender Ibanez Guild Takamine Epiphone Taylor Lakewood DAngelico Maton Cole Clark Applause Seagull Framus Cort Baton Rouge

Harley Benton CLD-60SCE BK Cust. Line Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton CLD-60SCE BK Cust. Line Bundle

by Harley Benton

Country Bluegrass Rock

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• May lack upper-mid clarity

Harley Benton CLD-60SCE BK Cust. Line Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton AC PRO 60*Acoustic Instrument...

⭐ 4.6/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 537251

$410

Buy at Thomann View Details

DAngelico Excel Bowery Vintage Sunset - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

DAngelico Excel Bowery Vintage Sunset

by DAngelico

Rock Country Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Rich bass response

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Large body may be uncomfortable

DAngelico Excel Bowery Vintage SunsetAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: Solid Sitka...

⭐ 4.7/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 545717

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton CLD-15MCE SolidWood w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton CLD-15MCE SolidWood w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Folk Bluegrass Country

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Powerful projection and volume
• Rich bass response

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Less comfortable for smaller players

Harley Benton CLD-15MCE SolidWood w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton CLD-15MCE SolidWood*Acoustic Guitar...

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 545364

$351

Buy at Thomann View Details

Baton Rouge X15S/D-B - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Baton Rouge X15S/D-B

by Baton Rouge

Campfire Sessions Folk Country

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Rich bass response

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Baton Rouge X15S/D-BAcoustic GuitarStyle: DreadnoughtTop: solid spruceBack and sides: MahoganyNeck: OkoumeFingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 586723

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone J-45 EC Studio VS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Epiphone J-45 EC Studio VS

by Epiphone

Campfire Sessions Rock Folk

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Epiphone AJ220SCE VSSteel-String Guitar with PickupAdvanced jumbo design with cutawaySolid sitka spruce topMahogany...

⭐ 5.0/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 277940

$417

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton CLD-30SCM-CE SolidWood w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton CLD-30SCM-CE SolidWood w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Country Folk Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Great for strumming

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Harley Benton CLD-30SCM-CE SolidWood w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton CLD-30SCM-CE SolidWood*Acoustic...

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 545394

$493

Buy at Thomann View Details

Takamine GD20CE-N - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Takamine GD20CE-N

by Takamine

Rock Singer-Songwriter Campfire Sessions

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Less comfortable for smaller players

Takamine GD20CE-NSteel String GuitarBuild: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: Solid cedarX bracingBack and sides:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 423962

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN w/Case

by Harley Benton

Singer-Songwriter Rock Country

Key Feature:

• Great for strumming

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Rich bass response

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN*Acoustic...

⭐ 4.5/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 550407

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41S WN w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41S WN w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Rock Folk Campfire Sessions

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41S WN w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41S WN*Acoustic...

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 540427

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

Takamine GD51 Nat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Takamine GD51 Nat

by Takamine

Folk Campfire Sessions Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• Less comfortable for smaller players

Takamine GD51 NatSteel-String GuitarType: DreadnoughtTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: American black walnutNeck:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 562336

$389

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha FG800 BS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Yamaha FG800 BS

by Yamaha

Folk Bluegrass Country

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Yamaha FG800 BSSteel-String GuitarTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: NatoNeck: NatoFretboard: Walnut20 FretsNut width: 43...

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 467746

$373

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez ALT30FM-BDB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez ALT30FM-BDB

by Ibanez

Bluegrass Country Campfire Sessions

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Ibanez ALT30FM-BDBAcoustic Guitar with PickupAltstar SeriesStyle: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: flamed mapleBack and...

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 557297

$461

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone J-45 Studio NA - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Epiphone J-45 Studio NA

by Epiphone

Rock Campfire Sessions Folk

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Epiphone J-45 Studio NASteel-String GuitarAdvanced Jumbo SeriesTop: Solid sitka spruceBody: MahoganyNeck:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 263196

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-15M w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-15M w/Case

by Harley Benton

Rock Folk Country

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-15M w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-15M*Steel-String...

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 540478

$318

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Rock Folk Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

• May lack upper-mid clarity
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN*Acoustic...

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 540430

$460

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced dreadnought acoustic guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars Under $500 2025

Harley Benton CLD-60SCE BK Cust. Line Bundle

DAngelico Excel Bowery Vintage Sunset

Harley Benton CLD-15MCE SolidWood w/Bag

Baton Rouge X15S/D-B

Epiphone J-45 EC Studio VS

Harley Benton CLD-30SCM-CE SolidWood w/Bag

Takamine GD20CE-N

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN w/Case

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41S WN w/Bag

Takamine GD51 Nat

Yamaha FG800 BS

Ibanez ALT30FM-BDB

Epiphone J-45 Studio NA

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-15M w/Case

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN w/Bag

How to Choose the Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying dreadnought acoustic guitars?

How much should I spend on dreadnought acoustic guitars?

Are expensive dreadnought acoustic guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for dreadnought acoustic guitars?

Should I buy dreadnought acoustic guitars online or in-store?

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